Direct objects must follow an action verb. will answer what or whom after the action verb. will be a noun or pronoun.
An action verb may also have an indirect object. There must be a direct object answering what or whom. The indirect object will answer to or for whom or what.
Indirect Objects will always follow an action verb. will always have a direct object. will come before the direct object. will come after the action verb. will answer to or for whom or what.
Direct 0bjects bought a cat. Derrick Derrick bought what? cat Derrick bought a cat
Derrick Bought Jimmy a cat. Derrick bought what? cat For whom? Derrick bought cat Jimmy
Things to Remember: Some sentences will have only direct objects. Some sentences will have both direct objects and indirect objects. Diagram each sentence.
Direct Objects Shauna bought a new bed for her kitty. Must follow an action verb. Answers the question for what or whom. . Shauna bought a new bed for her kitty.
Indirect Objects Must have a direct object in the sentence. Will occur after the action verb. Will occur before the direct object. Will answer the question to or for whom or what.
Diagramming direct and indirect objects Chris gave Sammy a treat. Chris gave a treat Chris gave Sammy a treat. Chris gave a treat to whom? Sammy